Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, has withdrawn from the presidential race.
He had declared his intention to run on April 19, in his hometown Alor in Anambra State.
Ngige was one of the ministers that a valedictory service was held for at the presidential villa on Friday.
He said his declaration was in response to pressure from members of his constituency.
But in a statement signed by him on Friday, Ngige said he has had a new consultation with President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the forms obtained for him are yet to be filled and submitted as at the time of his decision to withdraw.
“As a result of this, I will not be participating in any of the internal party processes of the said election starting with the primary.
He said he took the decision in the overall interests of the nation.